Hundreds journey up Moose Mountain to protest west Bragg Creek logging plan
Hundreds gathered at the site of a proposed logging project in west Bragg Creek, just outside Kananaskis Country, calling for the protection of the area.
The group hiked and biked up Moose Mountain to protest in one of the spaces that could be clear-cut, one night after more than 650 people gathered at a public feedback event in Cochrane held by the logging company.
"These actions can feel like you are shouting in a vacuum when it's primarily online-organized, and so this lets people know how many other people care about these trails, lets them feel a part of something," said Jeff Woodgate, Grow Kananaskis founder.
Hundreds gathered at the site of a proposed logging project in Kananaskis, calling for the protection of the area.
West Fraser bought rights to the timber licence last fall when it bought out Spray Lakes Sawmills in Cochrane and plans to log 450 hectares of forests, including a dozen hiking and mountain bike trails impacting up to 30 kilometres of track.
"We use that space all the time. It represents what Alberta represents to us," said Caroline Fisher, who created signs for the protest as well.
Caroline Fisher created signs for the protest.
The land is not protected.
That's why Albertans who love to hike, bike, snowshoe and ski here are speaking up.
"We're wondering if the name of conservation pass should perhaps be changed to resource extraction pass because it seems like all of our natural areas are open for resource extraction."
West Fraser said it welcomes feedback and it might protect some views and trails.
The cut would not go ahead until 2026, which gives opponents some hope.
Aside from the environmental impact, protesters say there was minimal consultation with or consideration for local businesses.
Trail and traffic counters in Kananaskis show about 300,000 people visit each year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blockade briefly stops Pride Parade in downtown Winnipeg
A group of protesters briefly blocked the Winnipeg Pride Parade on Sunday.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Ryan Reynolds has declared 'War of the Popcorn Buckets.' He's honestly onto something
Ryan Reynolds this week unveiled arguably the most anticipated and sure-to-be coveted merchandise tied to his upcoming 'Deadpool' sequel: the movie’s novelty popcorn bucket.
Trump says he's 'OK' with serving potential jail time or house arrest after historic conviction
Former U.S. president Donald Trump said he is 'OK' with serving potential jail time or being under house arrest following his historic conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Ontario gave parents more than $1B in cash over 2 years. Here's where the money went
During the pandemic, the Ontario government started to hand out cash to parents to help offset the cost of at-home learning while schools were shuttered.
'There could have been an explosion,' 8 people, including 4 children injured in St. Constant, Que.
Eight people, including four children, have second- or third-degree burns as a result of an incident at a home in Saint-Constant, Que. south of Montreal, the Coopérative des techniciens ambulanciers de la Montérégie (CETAM) reported on Saturday.
Israel seeks a 'governing alternative' to Hamas in Gaza. It's been tried and failed before
Israel is looking into an alternative local governing body for Gaza, the defense minister said Sunday, proposing a future beyond Hamas but giving no idea who those challengers might be.
Rupert Murdoch, 93, gets married for fifth time in private ceremony
Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, 93, has married for the fifth time, his corporation, News Corp, confirmed Sunday.